Post by mwardncsu on Feb 23, 2017 17:57:01 GMT -5
www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/forecasts-and-reports/impoundments-forecast/
The Smith Mountain Lake largemouth bass population was stable from 2007-2012 with general numbers remaining at all-time highs. Sampling in 2014 indicated an overall population decline of 15% and a 23% decline by 2015, when compared to 2012 which had the highest numbers ever collected. However, sampling in 2016 showed improvements with the population increasing and matching 2014 values in all categories except the number of bass ≥ 20 inches. Although overall bass numbers declined in 2014 and 2015, the percent of large fish (≥ 15”) in the population is now at levels that exceed years before the Largemouth Bass Virus was discovered in 2011. Current population trends indicate largemouth bass numbers should be stabilizing or slightly increasing the next couple years. The smallmouth bass population makes up less than ten percent of the bass population at this lake but still contributes to the fishery. This species generally mirrors very closely the largemouth bass trends with overall numbers slightly declining in 2014 but rebounding to historical levels by 2016.
Striped bass fishing overall success declined some in 2015 and substantially in 2016. While some decline was expected, the larger drop in 2016 was unexpected. Management goals for the fishery were to marginally reduce the number of striped bass in the 26-29 inch range by changing the protective slot limit to 30-40 inches. Growth of striped bass 26-29 inches, steadily declining since 2008 and limited the production of trophy fish. Forage was not adequate to support healthy growth for these fish year around. In addition, stocking success was unexpectedly poor for three consecutive years (2013-2015) and has substantially reduced catch rates for stripers < 26 inches. The forage base (shad) greatly improved in 2016, there have been modest improvements in the number striped bass over 30 inches, and striped bass growth has been improving.
The crappie population has been very consistent for several years for both numbers and sizes. Anglers should also find a good distribution of fish between 8-13 inches. Channel and flathead catfish should be similar to the past few years with little change.
Leesville Lake largemouth bass population has been very stable for many years for both numbers and sizes. Most fish are between 13 and 16 inches but there is a fair number of fish up 21 inches. Catch rates of bass, 15 inches and larger with electrofishing gear, is actually slightly better than neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. The best fishing areas are between the Leesville dam to approximately mile marker 6, most of the upper lake has poor largemouth habitat due to high flows from Smith Mountain Lake dam and other hydrological conditions.
This reservoir has historically supported a fair striped bass population that has fluctuated in both numbers and sizes due to variable recruitment. However, the current population is good due to a record year class in 2010. These seven year old fish averaged 31 inches and 11.3 pounds in the fall of 2016. The striped bass population will begin to decline in a couple years due to limited recruitment after 2010. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal walleye population but experimental saugeye stockings were initiated in 2013 and produced much better survival in 2013 and 2014 than any of the previous walleye stockings. Consequently, the walleye (walleye and saugeye) numbers are higher in the lake than ever before and indicate walleye fishing is improving and will continue to be good in the near future. Saugeye are a cross between walleye and sauger but look almost identical to walleye in both appearance and behavior.
Catfish are abundant at this reservoir with the most common species being channel and white catfish. There are limited numbers of blue and flathead catfish available but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish population. The crappie fishery is fair with good sizes but low numbers. This reservoir can be difficult to fish due to quickly rising and falling water levels and lack of submerged structure. However, many anglers who spend the time to figure this lake out are rewarded with good fishing.
The Smith Mountain Lake largemouth bass population was stable from 2007-2012 with general numbers remaining at all-time highs. Sampling in 2014 indicated an overall population decline of 15% and a 23% decline by 2015, when compared to 2012 which had the highest numbers ever collected. However, sampling in 2016 showed improvements with the population increasing and matching 2014 values in all categories except the number of bass ≥ 20 inches. Although overall bass numbers declined in 2014 and 2015, the percent of large fish (≥ 15”) in the population is now at levels that exceed years before the Largemouth Bass Virus was discovered in 2011. Current population trends indicate largemouth bass numbers should be stabilizing or slightly increasing the next couple years. The smallmouth bass population makes up less than ten percent of the bass population at this lake but still contributes to the fishery. This species generally mirrors very closely the largemouth bass trends with overall numbers slightly declining in 2014 but rebounding to historical levels by 2016.
Striped bass fishing overall success declined some in 2015 and substantially in 2016. While some decline was expected, the larger drop in 2016 was unexpected. Management goals for the fishery were to marginally reduce the number of striped bass in the 26-29 inch range by changing the protective slot limit to 30-40 inches. Growth of striped bass 26-29 inches, steadily declining since 2008 and limited the production of trophy fish. Forage was not adequate to support healthy growth for these fish year around. In addition, stocking success was unexpectedly poor for three consecutive years (2013-2015) and has substantially reduced catch rates for stripers < 26 inches. The forage base (shad) greatly improved in 2016, there have been modest improvements in the number striped bass over 30 inches, and striped bass growth has been improving.
The crappie population has been very consistent for several years for both numbers and sizes. Anglers should also find a good distribution of fish between 8-13 inches. Channel and flathead catfish should be similar to the past few years with little change.
Leesville Lake largemouth bass population has been very stable for many years for both numbers and sizes. Most fish are between 13 and 16 inches but there is a fair number of fish up 21 inches. Catch rates of bass, 15 inches and larger with electrofishing gear, is actually slightly better than neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. The best fishing areas are between the Leesville dam to approximately mile marker 6, most of the upper lake has poor largemouth habitat due to high flows from Smith Mountain Lake dam and other hydrological conditions.
This reservoir has historically supported a fair striped bass population that has fluctuated in both numbers and sizes due to variable recruitment. However, the current population is good due to a record year class in 2010. These seven year old fish averaged 31 inches and 11.3 pounds in the fall of 2016. The striped bass population will begin to decline in a couple years due to limited recruitment after 2010. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal walleye population but experimental saugeye stockings were initiated in 2013 and produced much better survival in 2013 and 2014 than any of the previous walleye stockings. Consequently, the walleye (walleye and saugeye) numbers are higher in the lake than ever before and indicate walleye fishing is improving and will continue to be good in the near future. Saugeye are a cross between walleye and sauger but look almost identical to walleye in both appearance and behavior.
Catfish are abundant at this reservoir with the most common species being channel and white catfish. There are limited numbers of blue and flathead catfish available but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish population. The crappie fishery is fair with good sizes but low numbers. This reservoir can be difficult to fish due to quickly rising and falling water levels and lack of submerged structure. However, many anglers who spend the time to figure this lake out are rewarded with good fishing.
